Consultant in IP Management for Innovation Driven Businesses

Title of assignment: Consultant in IP Management for Innovation Driven Businesses

Name of unit/sector: IP for Business Division (IPBD) - IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

Place of assignment: Home based, MENA Countries

Expected places of travel (if applicable): Home based, MENA Countries

Expected duration of assignment: 6 months, starting in June 2025, with the possibility of entering into framework agreements 
(Framework Agreement, for a duration of 5 years, for on-demand utilization of services.  It is anticipated that the consultant will work on a “needs” basis.  WIPO does not guarantee that any minimum quantity of services will be ordered during the duration of this Framework Agreement.)

1. Objective of the assignment

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) aims to improve the understanding on intellectual property (IP) management. It develops tools for management of IP Rights (IPRs) throughout the innovation process, from ideation, development, manufacturing, branding to marketing of products in specific industries, including (but not limited to) innovative, creative, green and IP-intensive industries. 

WIPO has initiated the IP Management Clinic Program (IPMC) to help selected companies from various sectors with the effective and strategic use of IP in support of their entrepreneurial activities. 

The overall objective of this assignment is to support companies from MENA countries that already possess a portfolio of intangible assets. 

The support will include tailored and practical workshops on topics of interest for the selected group of companies, one-on-one mentoring services, and documenting and analyzing the companies’ IP management strategies with a view to identifying areas as well as to making suggestions for improvement. The analysis will focus on the IP-related aspects of the product across its business cycle, from the perspective of an IPR holder and as a user of third parties’ IPRs. The services will clearly highlight the interconnection of IPRs, product development and business strategy as well as provide practical suggestions and options for actionable responses.

2. Expected outputs a. Strategic and practical advice to the participating companies regarding IP development and management strategies and other related areas. b. Report(s) including product/technology profiles and IP-related analysis and feedback to assigned companies.  

3. Scope of work/methodology WIPO will assign the Contractor a specific company. The Contractor is expected to liaise with the assigned company, take stock of existing elements of IP management strategy and identify areas for improvement.  The Contractor is expected to conclude a non-disclosure agreement with the company and should ensure that no confidential information is disclosed during the documentation and at the event. In particular, the Contractor is expected to execute the following Guidance and Mentorship Services:    i. Organize at least three one-on-one sessions with the assigned company and provide support in development of IP strategies by:  • taking stock of IP portfolio and IP strategies  • guiding the companies in gathering relevant information and reaching IP decisions  • providing recommendations    ii. Prepare a report for the assigned company, documenting the initial status of the strategy and identifying areas for improvement with practical and actionable IP recommendations. The analysis shall be in English and be around five pages per product/technology.    iii. Organize one tailored workshop during the program (topic to be confirmed based on the needs of the participating companies).     iv. Provide specific inputs and feedback for program improvement.  

4. Reporting

 
The Contractor will report to the Director and senior staff of the IP for Business Division (IPBD). 

5. Roles and responsibilities

 
WIPO will select participating companies and provide initial communication support.  
The Contractor will submit all draft deliverables for comments and approval before finalization and dissemination. 

6. Expertise

 
The Contractor should have:

• Thorough knowledge of IP and business management;
• Extensive experience in advising businesses, including Startups and SMEs on the design and development of sound IP strategies in key markets across the MENA region;
• Experience in mentoring and advisory services;
• In-depth understanding of the business contexts/environments in the MENA region and in the international markets;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Excellent command of written and spoken Arabic;
• Command of an additional language such as French is desirable.

7. Travel and other arrangements 

 
WIPO will bear the costs in connection with any mission to be undertaken in the period of this contract. In accordance with WIPO travel rules, travel by air shall be in economy class. You will also receive a daily subsistence allowance at the applicable United Nations rate to cover local subsistence costs (hotel accommodation, meals, etc.) for each night of the official travel, as well as the terminal expense to cover miscellaneous costs for official trips related to the contractual arrangements (assignments hereafter), to and from the airport.

8. Publicity  

 
The Contractor is at liberty to create and disseminate case studies based on the contractual arrangements under this Framework Agreement, provided always that (i) no confidential information belonging to the companies involved in the contractual arrangements is disclosed, (ii) the identity of the companies involved in the contractual arrangements is anonymized, and (iii) the disclosed information is to be used only for non-commercial purposes.

9. Duration of contract and payment

 
The duration is expected to be 6 months, starting in June 2025, with the possibility of establishing framework agreements thereafter.

For the deliverables/services outlined in paragraph 3 above, and subject to organizational needs, WIPO will pay the agreed fee for the assignment.

Applicants are requested to indicate their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs, expressed as a fee per company to be mentored (representing approximately 5 to 7 hours of work).